General Cycling Discussion - 3-speed tire size ~= MTB 26?

Sheldon brown says that traditional 3-speed tires are different size that 26" MTB tires but do I have to buy the 3-speed tires specially or is there ANY other tire size that would fit on a 3 speed rim?
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html#tire

Can you find the 26x1 3/8 tire size at bike stores?

I just bought some from Harris - Panaracer COL DE LA VIE 26" X 1 3/8th" tires and a couple tubes. Now I'm truing the front wheel. Used Velox 22mm rim-tape on the beast.

You pretty much have to buy the 26x1-3/8" specifically. Look at the millimeter numbers on your existing tire and the ones you're planning to buy to confirm.

On my 3-speed, the fork and fenders are real narrow, and you couldn't mount a normal mountain bike tire there even if it would fit on the rim.

Local stores may or may not have these, and if they do, they may or may not be priced reasonably. Niagara Cycles has some cheap ones on their website if you need a set. I actually remember seeing such a tire at Walmart, but it was $15 there (and they sure don't have these at every Walmart.)

Also, you need the tubes specifically for this size (and not a "26x1.25-1.5", which is what I tried). I tried other tubes, and they had to stretch around the rim, which meant they got in between the tire and rim when I got the tire mounted.

The Panaracer states it is 650A on it's side, and the pressure is 45 - 55psi.

Here is Harris' selection on these size tires:

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/tires/590.html

(Note - their computer-link will be down tomorrow - Friday - as well as the 4th)

yeah i see them on harris's website but ill tell you have i have..
I have some original 1960 3 speed wheels with orginal hubs rims, tires and tubes. I dont know if i should replace the tires becuase they are so old or just build the hubs onto a different rim since it will be easier to find tires and tubes.

yeah i see them on harris's website but ill tell you have i have..
I have some original 1960 3 speed wheels with orginal hubs rims, tires and tubes. I dont know if i should replace the tires becuase they are so old or just build the hubs onto a different rim since it will be easier to find tires and tubes.

Well... it depends. Usually you can find 26 x 1 3/8" tires to fit EA-3 rims at Wal-Mart or similar stores. If the wheels are 26 x 1 3/8" S-6 (i.e. Schwinn size), then tires are nearly impossible to find.

As is you haven't figured it out already- so-called 26 x 1 3/8" tires were a pain in the ass 35 years ago when I was starting to work on bikes. Nowadays they're an obsolete pain in the ass. Unless those wheels are on a bike to which you have a strong emotional attachment, I'd say you should look elsewhere for a challenge.

I buy Schwinn S-6 tires from here.Matter of fact all my tires come from Niagara'

http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=422502

Sheldon brown says that traditional 3-speed tires are different size that 26" MTB tires but do I have to buy the 3-speed tires specially or is there ANY other tire size that would fit on a 3 speed rim?
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html#tire

Can you find the 26x1 3/8 tire size at bike stores?

Schwalbe Marathons work just fine on my wife's 1960 AMF Hercules 3 speed.
Available on line at: http://www.schwalbetires.com/marathon_368 I believe bike stores can get them for you if you prefer to give them the business.

Part# 11140500 Size in mm 37-590 or 650 x 35A a